• Bosch Power Tools opens its largest training centre for Asia-Pacific at its China headquarters, Hangzhou, with an investment of some RMB 3.5 million
• Bosch Power Tools China expects current growth rate to be continued over next 3 years
• Customer relationships strengthened by introduction of new Bosch System Specialist distribution concept
  

15 March 2007 Hangzhou, China – Bosch Power Tools today announces the launch of its new and largest training centre for Asia Pacific at Hangzhou. Uwe Raschke, President Bosch Power Tools Division, officiated the Opening Ceremony and further announced the company's outstanding China performance in 2006, after the setup of its marketing and sales organisation beginning of last year.

Since entering the China market, Bosch has always been committed to training and further developing China's power tools industry. In line with this mission, the new Bosch Asia Pacific training center - the largest of its kind in Asia Pacific - is based at Bosch Power Tool's headquarters in Hangzhou and was set up with an investment of some RMB 3.5 million. The center comprises wood, stone, metal and theoretical training and is equipped with a full range of state of the art power tools. The curriculum includes training for professionals and trade.

Bosch Asia Pacific training center has officially started operations this month with the aim of training and enhancing technical skills and standards of Chinese trade customers as well as internal staff and industrial users of power tools. The new facility also serves as a local training center for customers and staff throughout Asia Pacific. The twelve standard training curriculum modules lasting two days per module and include a systematic introduction of Bosch's latest technologies and standard operating procedures. Through theory and practical sessions, dealers and users of power tools can learn and cultivate positive and correct tool usage techniques. The training curriculum reflects efficient use of power tools, including aspects of safety, environmental friendly usage and application of appropriate accessories. It is meant to help China and Asia professionals keep ahead of the market needs and trends. To ensure quality of the training, Bosch professional trainers and technical specialists from all over the world will provide training at the centre. An estimated 1,500 of relevant professionals will receive training at the centre in the first year.

The opening of the Bosch Asia Pacific training centre in China signifies Bosch Power Tools' commitment to the China market. The centre aims to meet the needs of China's and Asia's pursuit for qualified technical professionals as the construction sector grows.

In recent years, China's construction industry has maintained a robust growth rate. China's power tools market for portable electrical power tools hit approx. 3,000 million RMB value in 2006. Bosch has reacted to this market growth with new a distribution concept. Since March 2007 numerous Bosch Specialist Systems Shops opened across China. They provide a new brand presentation for Bosch dealers and offer benefits such as preferred treatment for new product introductions, training possibilities and extended service performances.

By the end of 2006 , t he Bosch Power Tools plant in Hangzhou expanded from 35,000sqm to 55,000 sqm for manufacturing and 15,000 sqm for offices , employing 3,000 associates in total. In addition, Bosch Power Tools established a joint venture with Chervon Holdings Limited in Nanjing in January 2007. The joint venture is tasked with developing and producing special “benchtop” power tools such as miter saws and circular table saws for do-it-yourselfers and professionals. Bosch Power Tools also organized 14 roadshows across China in 2006, with the intention of staying closer to the trade partners and dealers. Bosch also demonstrated its care for the China market through the sponsorship of ten scholarships at the Zhejiang University in 2006 which will continue this year.

Uwe Raschke, President Bosch Power Tools Division, said “We are extremely delighted to day. Not only have we launched Bosch Power Tools' Asia largest training center. We are also satisfied with the progress of structural changes in our team, the development of our power tools business in China and can celebrate our good 2006 results. China has great potential, especially in the Yangtze River Delta region. Moving forward, we will continue our strategy of bringing exciting, innovative and relevant new products to market. We will further grow our presence in the lower price segment with the Skil brand. We will continue our investment in China both in terms of infrastructure as well as branding and service. The 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 World Expo in Shanghai present exciting opportunities. We will continue to realise our commitment to China, and further develop the construction industry.”

About the Bosch Group

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 280,000 associates generated sales of 45.1 billion euros in fiscal 2008. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros, or eight percent of its sales revenue, for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

For more information on Bosch Group, please visit: http://www.bosch.com

About Bosch in China

Bosch founded its first trading office in China as early as 1909. In 1926, the first car service workshop opened in Shanghai. Today, all Bosch business sectors are present in China: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology and Consumer Goods and Building Technology. The company operates 44 legal entities in China and has a holding company in Shanghai. Consolidated sales in China reached 2.2 billion euros in 2008. Some 20,200 Bosch associates in all legal entities and facilities are committed to bringing to Chinese customers the latest technology as well as the most reliable services to help improve their quality of life.

About Bosch Power Tools in China

Bosch Power Tools is the leading supplier of portable electric power tools and accessories, committed to high standards of quality, technical innovation and after-sales services. Bosch Power Tools (China) Co. Ltd. is a wholly foreign invested company, which was established in 1995 and located in Hangzhou with a manufacturing site comprising some 70,000 square meters, a product training center for Asia Pacific and the largest research and development center for power tools within Bosch worldwide.

At the Hangzhou plant, Bosch produces the full range of products including rotary hammer, impact drill, jigsaw, demolition hammer, grinder, planer and sander and measuring tools, serving the concrete, woodworking and metal working industries. Innovative cordless tools are also available and suitable for use by furniture manufacturers, renovation professionals and Do-It-Yourselfers. In addition over 1,000 different types of Bosch accessories are sold in China.

In January 2006 the company established its own sales, marketing, after-sales service and distribution teams, headquartered in Hangzhou. It operates six Bosch Service Centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Chongqing and Wuhan and it has 66 authorized services centers across the country.

For more information on Bosch China, please visit www.bosch.com.cn

News sourc: Bosch China
Publish date: March 2007